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Denpasar Bali Lawmakers Up in Arms at Scofflaw Attitude of Blue Eye Karaoke and Hotel Harrads

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(2/26/2012)

Administrators in charge of Bali’s capital of Denpasar are becoming increasing frustrated with the management of the Blue Eyes Karaoke and Hotel Harrads complex who are ignoring formal letters of warnings sent from the city’s enforcement agency (Dinas Tramtib Satpol PP).

According to Radar Bali, the deadline given in the most recent formal letter of warning was Friday, February 24, 2012. The complex is being cited by officials for failing to obtain a building permit for a building expansion, having a roof line that violates maximum height rules and building too close to the Ngurah Rai Bypass. In a separate case, the complex is also accused of not paying its sales tax for the past two years.

The Head of Commission C of the Denpasar House of Representatives (DPRD-Denpasar), Kadek Agus Arya Wibawa, accused PT Embrio, who manage the complex, has exhibiting bad faith towards the Denpasar administration via their continuing violation of the law.

Because of this, Wibawa is urging Denpasar officials to take firm steps against PT Embrio.

A. A. Susruta Ngurah Putra, a member of Commission B at the DPRD-Denpasar, joined those calling for enforcement, saying: “The actions of PT Embrio disgrace the Denpasar government. As counselors of the city we are calling for firm steps to be taken. We must show some courage and proper bearing as the government of Denpasar. We should not be pushed around by businessmen.”

Susruta also admonished PT Embrio for its failure to pay sales taxes for two years, causing losses to the people of Denpasar. Pointing to the importance of tax revenues from hotels and restaurants in providing revenues for the municipality, Susruta said PT Embrio’s behavior threatens the investment climate and provides a deplorable example for the general public.

Susruta added: “If the management of PT Embrio has good faith, they must come to Denpasar. Don’t send the General Manager who us unable to make any decision, who becomes only another barrier (to a resolution).”

Another member of Commission B, Wayan Matiyana Wandhira, chimed in, saying: “They (Blue Eyes and Harrads) must have action taken against them. They are operating a business within the boundaries of the City of Denpasar. They must follow the rules and regulations of the City of Denpasar.”

Growing in his anger, Wandhira added: “I am surprised. The House has come to their site and conducted an investigation. But they remain relaxed. Do they hold some kinf of Ace Card/”

It was later confirmed that the Dinas Tramtib dan Satpol PP Denpasar has delivered a second formal warning to the company. Alit Wiradana, the chief enforcement officer for Denpasar, said, “We have already send the second warning letter to the management.” The second letter has a time limit of 7 days after which Action will be taken against the complex if no corrective steps are taken.

As the rules are written, enforcement officials have the right to demolish offending structures.